Water​/Wastewater Operator

Position: Water/Wastewater Operator I - (Open Until Filled)
Salary : $56,904.40 - $69,985.23 Annually
Location : Madera, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Public Works
Division: Special Districts
Opening Date: 06/18/2025
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SRVCE

Under immediate supervision, constructs, maintains, repairs, operates and inspects systems and facilities used in water distribution and wastewater treatment; uses and operates a variety of manual and power tools and light to heavy power-driven equipment; assists in ensuring compliance with applicable regulations for maintaining and operating water and/or wastewater facilities; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate supervision from the Water/Wastewater Operations Supervisor. Exercises no direct supervision over staff. Water/Wastewater Operator I and II may exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff.
Examples of Duties

The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Types of work performed shall be within the scope and licensure (if required) for the classification. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.
Some duties, knowledge and abilities may be performed in a learning capacity by positions at the entry (Water/Wastewater Worker) and first working (Water/Wastewater Operator I) levels.

• Depending on area of assignment and level of classification, performs unskilled to skilled duties related to the operations and maintenance of water or reclaimed water/wastewater facilities and systems including, but not limited to, wastewater treatment plants, lift stations, water treatment facilities, filtration systems, wells, pump stations, turn-outs, pressure reducing stations, controls, grounds, and reservoirs.
• Installs, operates, and maintains the water distribution system, including main and service lines, valves, air-vacs, fire hydrants, and related equipment; performs system flushing, installs new piping, valves, and services, and locates and repairs service line leaks.
• Installs, maintains, and repairs generators, compressors, pumps, chemical equipment, valves, motors, switching equipment, and meters.
• Calibrates and adjusts telemetry signals and records readings; enters confined spaces to check wells, motors, and pumps; maintains, repairs, and replaces hydraulic control valves and electrical controls and equipment.
• Collects and performs basic chemical tests on water or reclaimed water/wastewater samples for compliance monitoring; performs field tests for temperature, pH, and chlorine residual; inspects, transports, and replaces chlorine cylinders.
• Performs skilled work in assembling, laying, and aligning water, reclaimed water/wastewater pipes; locates and repairs leaks in water or reclaimed water/wastewater lines.
• Monitors supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems and makes necessary adjustments to maintain an adequate supply of water and water pressure for customers; reads and responds to alarms, e-mails, and other system notifications.
• Operates and maintains a variety of equipment and power tools used in water/wastewater system maintenance and construction work, including but not limited to, vehicles, forklifts, loaders, generators, compressors, pressure washers, pneumatic, electric, rigging, hydraulic, and gasoline powered construction equipment; services equipment and keeps related records; requisitions materials, supplies, and equipment.
• Performs manual labor and facilities/grounds maintenance work; makes regular inspections of facilities to identify maintenance and repair needs.
• Contacts and meets with various contractors; inspects work of contractors; ensures contract work is performed according to County standards.
• Sets and/or participates in traffic control activities, including safety devices, signs, and barricades; ensures safety of public and work crew.
• Maintains accurate, up to date records on all maintenance, repair and service activities conducted or planned; maintains inventory of replacement parts and equipment, as assigned.
• Responds to after-hours emergencies and assists other staff or the public as needed in emergency or relief situations; performs on-call, stand by duty as needed.

Employment Standards / Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, procedures, materials, and equipment used in the installation, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of water or reclaimed water/wastewater facilities, systems, and equipment.
• Procedures, equipment, materials, and tools used in the operation, maintenance, and repair of generators, compressors, pumps, chemical equipment, valves, motors, switching equipment, and meters, wells, electrical panels, automated control valves, and regulators.
• Principles of automation, hydraulics, mechanics, and electricity as applied to water…